Valve Handle Locking Ring With Sliding Retention Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary valve locking mechanisms, such as those for ball and butterfly valves, are inefficient for small, compact valves and often require additional separate locking elements that can be lost or misplaced, lacking a secure mechanism to prevent handle removal in locked positions.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a sliding ring on the handle that is axially displaceable and non-rotatable, locking the handle in place by meshing toothing with a locking ring, preventing rotational movement and handle removal, with a coded locking ring for secure attachment and snap connections for easy assembly without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate locking element is added to the valve, then the valve position can be locked, but the device complexity increases and the locking element can be lost or misplaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking function with the handle itself by integrating a locking ring that rotates together with the handle. This merging eliminates the need for separate locking elements that can be lost, while maintaining reliable locking through the integrated design where the locking ring and handle form a unified assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the actuating mechanism for opening/closing the valve and as the locking mechanism through its integrated locking ring. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated locking components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining security.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is integrated into the handle, then the handle cannot be removed in locked position, but the ease of operation decreases due to additional locking steps
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring is designed to be dynamically adjustable - it can rotate freely with the handle during normal operation, and can be independently rotated to engage or disengage the locking teeth. This dynamic design allows the locking mechanism to be activated or deactivated as needed, maintaining ease of operation when locking is not required while providing secure retention when locking is engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking ring features a curved or circular geometry that allows it to rotate smoothly around the valve stem. This curved design enables easy engagement and disengagement of the locking teeth by simply rotating the locking ring, rather than requiring complex locking steps, thus maintaining operational ease while ensuring secure locking when engaged.
3Reliability
If the locking ring is coded for secure attachment, then the reliability of locking position is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring incorporates asymmetric features such as coded positioning elements or non-uniform tooth arrangements that ensure it can only be attached in the correct orientation. This asymmetric design guarantees accurate and reliable locking position, preventing incorrect installation while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing through standard asymmetric machining or molding techniques.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for locking a rotary handle of a valve, preferably a rotary valve, more preferably a ball valve or a butterfly valve, comprising a handle for actuating a shut-off element of a valve, a locking ring that can be arranged in a rotationally secure manner on a valve housing support for an actuating device, and an adapter that can be fixed and releasable on an actuating pin of a shut-off element, wherein the adapter and the handle are releasably connected to each other, wherein an axially displaceable and non-rotatable sliding ring is arranged on the handle, wherein the sliding ring is axially displaceable into a locking or open position, and in the locking position the sliding ring locks the rotational movement of the handle, and the position of the sliding ring in the locking position prevents the handle from being removed from the valve.